Misnomination

Misnomination is the act or instance of giving an incorrect or misleading name to a person, thing, or concept, or of applying a designation that does not accurately reflect its identity, origin, function, or status. The term is used across disciplines such as linguistics, biology, geography, and politics, and it often overlaps with the broader idea of a misnomer. In practice, misnomination can refer both to the naming decision and to the resulting name itself.

Etymology and scope: Misnomination combines mis- (wrong) with nomination (naming or designating), signaling a naming choice that diverges from accuracy. The phenomenon can arise from tradition, translation errors, metaphorical usage, branding, or bureaucratic labeling.

Causes and domains: Common causes include historical usage that outlives its accuracy, mistaken translations, or simplified labels that capture appearance or function but not strict identity. In everyday language, examples include terms like koala bear or guinea pig, where the word bear or pig is misleading even though widely understood. In scientific or geographical contexts, misnomination can reflect outdated classifications or imprecise descriptors that persist in common speech or official naming.

Consequences and responses: Misnomination can lead to confusion, misattribution, or reputational harm, and may prompt corrective action such as re-naming, clarification, or formal reclassification. In political or organizational settings, it can involve incorrect candidate nominations or mislabeled ballots, triggering procedural corrections.

Related terms and see also: misnaming, misnomer, naming conventions, branding, and terminology reform. Misnomination highlights how language, history, and perception intersect in the assignment of names.